StarTech.com HVR-1500 Professional Interfaces, Professional Control, Operational Reliability

PROFESSIONAL INTERFACES

A full range of professional interfaces are available, allowing for flexible analog or digital configurations in both SD and HD systems. This allows operators to integrate the HVR-1500 exactly according to their system needs.

HD-SDI Interface

The HVR-1500 provides an HD-SDI output*4 *5 capability, through which 1080/60i or 1080/50i HDV recordings can be output in normal playback and search modes. Time code and audio signals are embedded in this HD-SDI output. This interface allows operators to integrate HDV footage and assets easily into existing HD-SDI-based editing systems such as the HDCAMTM and XDCAMTM HD systems.

*4 HDV signals fed to the HVR-1500’s i.LINK interface cannot be converted and output from the HD-SDI interface. The i.LINK input signal must be recorded to the HDV tape first.

*5 DVCAM/DV playback signals cannot be up-converted for HD-SDI output.

SD-SDI Interface

The HVR-1500 also provides SD-SDI input*6/output capability. Time code and audio signals are embedded in the SDI signal. This allows the HVR-1500 to connect with a wide variety of digital equipment including SDI-based editing systems.

*6 SD-SDI signals fed to the HVR-1500’s SD-SDI interface cannot be up-convereted to HDV signals for recording to tape or to HD-SDI signals for output from the HD-SDI interface.

AES/EBU Interface

For professional digital audio needs, the HVR-1500 offers AES/EBU

digital audio inputs/outputs.*9

*9 AES/EBU input for SD recording only.

i.LINK Interface

The HVR-1500 is equipped with a 6-pin i.LINK *7 *8 interface. This allows it to transfer digital video, audio, and command signals (in HDV, DVCAM, and DV format) to a compatible VTR or nonlinear editing system via just a single cable.

*7 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony office.

*8 DVCAM/DV signals fed to the HVR-1500’s i.LINK interface cannot be up-convert- ed to HDV signals for recording to tape or to HD-SDI signals for output from the HD-SDI interface.

Analog Interfaces

As standard, the HVR-1500 provides analog output interfaces for video and audio. These include composite, component, and S-Video (Y/C) outputs and two channels of audio output (via XLR connectors). Using these interfaces, the HVR-1500 can act as a source feeder for an analog editing system and as a simple playback viewer in various applications such as broadcast station studios, OB vehicles, and production offices. By installing the optional HVBK-1505 Analog Input Board, a full range of analog video and audio inputs also become available, allowing a smooth transition to digital systems.

PROFESSIONAL CONTROL

RS-422A Control

The HVR-1500 is equipped with an RS-422A interface, which is the industry standard for professional editing. This allows the VTR to interface with other Sony VTRs, editing controllers such as the Sony RM-280 Editing Controller, and nonlinear editing systems.

The RS-422A offers frame-accurate insert and assemble editing in DVCAM mode. It can also be used for source feeding*10 in HDV mode.

*10 The availability of frame-accurate control is dependent on the connected editing controller. For information on compatible editing controllers, please contact your nearest Sony office.

HD and SD Reference Inputs

The HVR-1500 accepts both HD and SD reference signals.

Time Code Input/Output

The HVR-1500 has a time code input/output capability to synchronize time code when making tape copies.

Built-in Signal Generator

Equipped with a built-in signal generator, the HVR-1500 can generate color bars or black burst for video, and a 1-kHz tone or silent signal for audio. These signals can be recorded to tape when the HVR-1500 is operating in DVCAM or DV mode*11 to create a pre-striped tape prior to editing. They can also be output from the analog and digital interfaces to adjust other equipment in the system.

*11 Recording these signals to tapes in the HDV format is not available.

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OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY

By packing sophisticated mechanical technologies into its robust aluminum diecast chassis, the HVR-1500 provides the reliable operations that today’s video professionals demand.

Quick Response Mechanism

Quick mechanical response is an essential requirement for professional video production. The HVR-1500 provides this feature by using a reliable direct reel and drum motor mechanism. Fast forward and rewind speeds are an impressive +/- 85 times normal play speed. In HDV mode, the color picture search*12 speeds are +/-8 and +/-24 times normal play speed, and in DVCAM mode they are between -60 and +60 times normal play speed.

In editing environments, where speed and time are critical, this mechanism reduces the frustration editors often feel when they are searching for specific scenes.

*12 The color picture search function can be controlled through the RS-422A interface.

Tape and Head Cleaner for Reliable Operation

The HVR-1500 incorporates a tape cleaner that adopts a high-grade sapphire blade. This tape cleaner helps prevent signal dropouts by cleaning away particles that accumulate while the tape is running. The recorder also incorporates a head cleaner to maintain the performance of the drum heads. These cleaners improve the reliability of recording and playback.